Now, after a difficult season at Unicaja Malaga and at the age of 34, Garbajosa has decided to hang up his sneakers.

But he remains devoted to Spain and basketball.

Garbajosa is to work with the FEB and specifically help the national team, and the federation to get ready for the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

A statement from FEB announced: "Former Spain international Jorge Garbajosa has decided to put an end to his long and successful career as a player and will join the FEB, where he will do work related to the national team as well as the promotion of the FIBA World Championship in 2014."

Garbajosa has spoken about his decision to quit playing.

"The decision to retire is hard but, in my case, the possibility of being involved with the FEB and the national team has made it very sweet," he said.

"I want to thank all my clubs, executives, coaches, team-mates, rivals, referees, sponsors, media and fans for what we have shared throughout this time.

"All of them have made me feel privileged to do what I love most, to be a basketball player.

"I always said that my team was Spain and to continue to be a part of it is something marvelous. I have always felt at home in the FEB.

Jose Luis Saez, the FEB president, said: "Jorge is part of the living history of Spanish basketball so it makes us proud that we can count on him.

"I am certain that the work he will do for the FEB will be as important or even more to what he has done on the court."